John Quincy Adams 1825

This silver medal depicting John Quincy Adams was produced by Moritz Fürst, a Hungarian-American medalist. The process used to create this piece involves a range of skills. The design would have been meticulously engraved into a die, which was then used to strike the medal. The nature of metalworking means that the object’s surface reflects light, revealing even the most subtle details of Adams’s profile. You can appreciate the precision and control required to achieve such fine detail in metal. The medal is small and relatively humble. Its precious metal material elevates its status above that of a mass-produced token. As a commemorative object, it bridges the gap between functional currency and fine art, reminding us that even in the realm of politics, artistry and craftsmanship play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of power and legacy.